I got kids 03 3.0 vue. The flex pipe before main cat is bad. Well, it’s 23 yrs old, so makes sense. I can get a eBay front/rear cat setup for $200. Or have shop replace flex pipe, for $200+? IF they can. What’s the consensus?

 

If you can get an exhaust shop to replace the flex piece, that is what I would do. You will break every stud in both manifolds if you try this. Maybe an exhaust shop would attempt to install the new parts.

 

Ha, removing manifold from head is not the issue,
Removing cat pipe from manifold is the issue?
bolt may turn 1/4 but then seize/shear?
no worries, just remove manifolds from head(s). Haha

 

Ha, is -2f this weekend. Might be -10f overnight. I have garage heater but dang if I’m gonna work on exhaust now. Maybe 30f by wed. We will see.

 

Heck, if you can get someone else to do it for about the same price as DIY, let the shop do it.

 

I asked shop how much new flex pipe is. They said around $200. They provide $20 flex pipe
They said they “might” install MY new cat/pipes for $400. Labor. I provide cat/pipes. I know it’s life. Labor is 90% of flex pipe job.
yes I can buy cat/pipes for $200, but someone gotta put them in.
its my 2nd car. I don’t need to drive it now.
wait till April?

 

If you try to wait till April, you will need it next week.

Life is just sometimes that way